Member Spotlight: HELD Architecture

Held Architecture is a Charlotte-based architecture firm committed to designing spaces that connect people, place, and the environment. Founded by German-trained architect Kristina Held, AIA, our practice is grounded in over 20 years of experience across the Southeast U.S. and Europe. We work at the intersection of sustainability, community, and craft—offering thoughtful design solutions that support long-term environmental and cultural resilience.

As the first Passive House Certified Consultant in Charlotte, Kristina leads the firm with deep expertise in high-performance and regenerative design. Our work includes projects certified or guided by Passive House and LEED standards, reflecting our commitment to energy efficiency, occupant health, and integrated site strategies.

Held Architecture’s portfolio spans commercial headquarters, mixed-use developments, and mission-driven residential work. Recent projects include The Cannery, a sustainability-focused community in Oregon, and the U.S. headquarters for German packaging company Pester Pac. While each project is distinct, they all share a dedication to context-sensitive design, material clarity, and environmental stewardship.

With dual roots in Germany and the United States, we bring a cross-cultural perspective to every collaboration. Our approach is holistic and people-centered—shaped by dialogue with clients, communities, and the natural systems that surround us. We see architecture as both a practical and poetic discipline, capable of enhancing daily life while advancing broader sustainability goals.

Whether we're adapting a historic structure or designing a net-zero building from the ground up, we strive to create spaces that endure—not just physically, but in the lives and experiences of those who use them.